Gandhi Jayanti 2013

Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti is a public holiday in India to celebrate the birthday of Mohandas Gandhi or commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, India’s “Father of Nation”. It is one of only three official declared national holidays in India. People in India celebrate Gandhi Jayanti annually on 2 October, the date of Mohandas Gandhi’s birthday in 1869.

Origin of Gandhi Jayanti
Background of Gandhi Jayanti dates back to more than a hundred years ago when Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869. He was famous as preeminent leader of India during British rule, and he played significant role in leading India towards its independence.

On 30 January 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu nationalist, Nathuram Godse, who thought of Gandhi as the man behind the weakening of India because of his sympathetic to Muslims. The death of Gandhi was mourned by millions of Indian people all over the world.

Since Mohandas Gandhi he promoted civil rights, freedom, and non-violence movement around the world throughout his life, the United Nations General Assembly acknowledge the birthday of Mohandas Gandhi as International Day of Non-Violence.

In India, Mohandas Gandhi’s birthday is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti which is one of officially declared national holidays in India.

Gandhi Jayanti Celebration
On this special day, the Presiden, Prime Minister, and other dignitaries of India attend prayer services at Ray Ghat, New Delhi where Mohandas Gandhi was cremated. Gandhi’s favorite song “Raghupati Raja Raghava Raja Ram” is sung, and holy books from various religions are read out.

Since Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday, schools, government offices, companies, and banks are usually closed. Yet, some stores and vital services such as hospital remain open. People use the day to relax and gather with families or friends. To honor Mahatma Gandhi, liquor is forbidden to be sold or drunk during Gandhi Jayanti.